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Jockey's Ridge State Park
Nags Head, NC
A large sand dune system on the Outer Banks, with soft slopes for walking and kite flying and views over the sound. Go near sunset for the light, and wear shoes if the sand is hot in summer.
Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head is home to the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast. At the main access there are dunes to hike, a trail of about 1 mile (1.6 km), hang gliding (registration required) with lessons from a private concessionaire, kite flying and sandboarding. The visitor center has exhibits and is open during the day.
The Soundside Access on Roanoke Sound offers paddling, swimming, kiteboarding and windsurfing, plus a 0.75-mile (1.2 km) trail. The park is the eastern end of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. Day use is free and there is no camping; the nearest campground is at Pettigrew State Park. The park stays open into the evening in summer and closes earlier in winter; check the hours if you want to see the sunset. The sand can get very hot, so protect your dog's paws too. Dogs are allowed on a leash of no more than 6 feet. Allow one to two hours.
- Nearest town
- Nags Head, NC
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 35.9650, -75.6350
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
© Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0Wright Brothers National Memorial
© Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
© https://www.flickr.com/people/kostia/ (User:Stavia) · CC BY 2.0Ocracoke Village
© vastateparksstaff · CC BY 2.0First Landing State Park
Campsites nearby
- OBX CampgroundMotorhome stopover4 mi from Jockey's Ridge State Park · 56 pitchesMotorhomes
- Beechland CampgroundCampsite5 mi from Jockey's Ridge State ParkCaravans
- Kitty Hawk RV ParkMotorhome stopover8 mi from Jockey's Ridge State ParkMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Oregon Inlet CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Jockey's Ridge State Park · 107 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in North Carolina · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Jockey's Ridge State Park?
Jockey's Ridge State Park is in Nags Head, NC, at GPS 35.9650, -75.6350. It is about 8 mi from Kitty Hawk.
Can you camp near Jockey's Ridge State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is OBX Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Jockey's Ridge State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Wright Brothers National Memorial (4 mi), Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (50 mi), Ocracoke Village (62 mi) and First Landing State Park (70 mi).
When is the best time to visit Jockey's Ridge State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)